Romo poised for MVP run in '08 - Tennessee Titans News at Titansportal.com

Glaze Across America is finally over.

A mere 45 straight days and about 25 teams later, I'm exhausted. Oh, the brutality of it all. But after seeing the majority of the league, I'm primed to make a few predictions, most of which, if my past history proves true, will be completely off the mark. However, I know you guys love these little preview

NFL Week 1

Thursday

Giants 16, Redskins 7 --

Sunday

Bucs at Saints

Rams at Eagles --

Lions at Falcons

Seahawks at Bills --

Jets at Dolphins --

Texans at Steelers --

Jaguars at Titans --

Chiefs at Patriots --

Bengals at Ravens --

Cowboys at Browns --

Panthers at Chargers --

Cardinals at 49ers --

Bears at Colts --

Monday

Vikings at Packers --

Broncos at Raiders --

Analysis

Decision '08: Our experts have spoken
Czar: 10 shocking predictions
Schein: Pre kick-awards
Power Rankings: Who's No. 1?

Video

Schein: On with the picks!
Week 1 Preview: NFC | AFC
Fantasy: Week 1 starts & sits
See more at Video Central

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Best sign on the road

Somewhere in Louisiana near the Saints complex: "We Be Open." And I be keep driving.

Not as bad as people predict

Giants QB Eli Manning

The football world just loves to hate on this guy. The kid can play, plain and simple. He'll never be a vocal leader, but they don't need him to be. They just need him to keep cool under pressure the way he did in last year's postseason. A now-confident Eli has what it takes to follow his brother to the Pro Bowl.

As Donovan goes, so do the Birds. His future and perhaps Andy Reid's hangs on McNabb's ability to stay healthy. If he goes down early and the Eagles struggle again, I can't see Reid wanting to stick around. Plus, the patience with McNabb will run thin and the rumor mill will be brutal. However, if he shines, Philly has a legitimate playoff shot and Reid will have a legitimate shot at Coach of the Year.

Offensive Player of the Year

Cowboys RB Marion Barber III

He's no longer a role player and those questions about whether he can shoulder the load will be answered. Tiki Barber and Brian Westbrook each proved that you don't have to be 6-1, 230 to carry the load and Barber could be pound-for-pound one of the baddest dudes in the game. I can see him leading the conference in rushing.

Honorable mention: Adrian Peterson, LaDainian Tomlinson.

Greatest stop on my tour

I went to the Westin Diplomat for Dolphins camp and it just so happened there was a ... how do I say this ... adult entertainment convention at the hotel. Umm, never actually made it over to see the Dolphins. I didn't see a whole lot of football, but man did I see a whole bunch of other stuff. It was worth the stop ... I mean, er, um ... I was totally appalled by proceedings at this well-run establishment. I'm trying to watch football here, people!

Defensive Player of the Year

Panthers DE Julius Peppers

After a horrific year last season, Peppers rented a hotel room in Arizona starting in February where he began two-a-day workouts at Athletes Performance Institute ... for the rest of the offseason! Who does that? Guys who are out to prove that the previous season was nothing more than an aberration. Peppers is playing for a new deal, has moved to the right side and is playing for something to prove. Poor, poor left tackles.

Honorable mention: Cowboys LB DeMarcus Ware, Minnesota's Jared Allen.

MVP

Cowboys QB Tony Romo

Romo told me during camp that he has adjusted his pocket style based upon how Tom Brady does it. He insists it'll give him more time to find his secondary reads while minimizing pressure a bit more. He has all the weapons, a strong defense and a team that should roll this year.

Honorable mention: Patriots' Tom Brady.

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